Abstract: A method and an apparatus for stabilizing a microporous marking structure is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of placing a microporous marking structure in conjunction with an absorbent material within a stabilizing device. A positive pressure is then applied to the microporous marking structure within the stabilizing device until a sufficient amount of ink originally retained within the microporous marking structure is forced to flow therefrom into the absorbent material so that the microporous marking structure obtains a substantially stabilized state. The apparatus may comprise a pair of substantially rigid plates arranged for relative movement with respect to each other wherein at least one of the substantially rigid plates is adapted to support a microporous marking structure thereon until the microporous marking structure is arranged between the plates.

Abstract: In a one-step process for preparing fiberboard, an aqueous treating composition comprising about 3-20%, preferably 5-15%, by weight of an acrylic or vinyl acetate emulsion or solution polymer and about 0.05 to 3.0% by weight of a fluid, water-soluble organosilicone copolymer of dimethylpolysiloxane-polyalkylene ether is applied to the fiber panel prior to final compression. The treating composition acts both as a platen release agent during compression and a tempering agent for imparting water-resistance.

Abstract: Improved base coatings for use on paper substrates to be vacuum metallized consist essentially of an organic solvent solution (e.g. ethyl acetate or ethyl acetate/toluene) containing about 10-30 wt. % of a film-forming coating mixture of (a) about 90-98 wt. % of a vinyl acetate/acrylic acid copolymer (97.5-99/1-2.5%) or a vinyl acetate/monoethyl maleate copolymer (94-97/3-6%) and (b) about 2-10 wt. % of a soluble nitrocellulose resin solids, the resin being soluble in the solvent and having a nitrogen content of about 12 wt. % and a viscosity of from about 4-5 sec. in a 25% solution to about 3-4 sec. in a 20% solution of ethyl alcohol/toluene/ethyl acetate (25/55/20), when measured using the Falling Ball method.Paper products coated with the base coating (about 2-6 lbs./3000 ft..sup.2) are characterized by a balanced combination of alkali removability, water-resistance, and block-resistance. The metallized products are smooth and glossy, and the aluminized product is especially useful for bottle labels.